Saturday, April 23, 2011
Mark your calendar for May 14 to participate in the annual opportunity for anglers to enjoy great fishing on Evans Lake while contributing to a worthy cause.
The Evans Lake Water for People Fishing Fundraiser is set for that day. Gates will open at 6 a.m., and the lake will remain open until 6 p.m.
Sponsored by Aqua Ohio, the event has become an annual affair. It is a great opportunity for local anglers to enjoy Evans Lake’s terrific fishing for bass, crappies and northern pike.
Aqua Ohio engineer Brian T. Bisson has chaired the Water For People fundraiser since its inception six years ago.
“Water for People was founded in 1991 as a non-profit international humanitarian organization,” he said. “It helps people in developing countries improve their quality of life by supporting development of locally sustainable drinking-water resources, sanitation facilities and health- and hygiene-education programs.”
Bisson said nearly 1 billion people around the world suffer from inadequate access to safe drinking water, while 2.5 billion are without adequate sanitation facilities.
“Last year, the Evans Lake event made more than $3,700 for Water for People,” he said. “We are hoping local anglers will be able to attend this year for some great fishing and to support a worthy cause.”
Closed to general-public access for six years, Evans sustains good populations of largemouth bass, crappies and northern pike. Because the fish see relatively little fishing pressure, Water for People participants should be able to catch good numbers of their favorite species.
All who participate that day must check in with organizers at the dam access area off North Lima Road on the north end of Evans Lake.
Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. A limited number of boats will be permitted access. Boats must be at least 14 feet in length and respect no-wake rules. A launch fee of $10 will be charged, and all boats will be subject to inspection and disinfection for invasive species.
Ticket forms can be picked up at Aqua Ohio’s Boardman office or obtained by mailing to Aqua Ohio Attn: Water for People, 6650 South Ave., Boardman, OH 44512.
Wild weather affects fishing
The end of April typically is prime time for excellent fishing throughout the Youngstown area, but this year’s wild weather certainly has made things interesting.
Lake temperatures are lower than normal for this calendar period. The water has warmed only into the low 50s in most places.
Steady waves of rain and thunderstorms have washed the region, creating plenty of high, muddy and cold water. Those certainly aren’t the best conditions.
Buffeting winds have compounded anglers’ difficulties. But, as always, some anglers are catching fish. Walleye, crappie and bass fishing are improving at most of the popular lakes around Youngstown.
If this weekend’s weather is for the birds, in your opinion, be patient. Sunny, warm days are coming. We certainly deserve a break pretty soon, don’t you agree?